So I know that the 2010 convention is right in my backyard here in MN. I've never been to one of these and there isn't much on the SPAH site from what I can find. From what I can tell, just about all the major players were there last year. My questions are...do the classes cost above and beyond the $250 entrance fee? Do the classes fill up right away...or get too crowded? Who's going to be there this year?
there aren't really any classes. It's most a bunch of seminars, performances, jams all day long and socializing with other players. I wouldn't consider it a huge learning event.
It's still one of the best harmonica oriented times you will ever experience.
I personally think the location of the hotel suck donkey balls but it is what it is. Ahhhh the smell of airplane fumes, noise and long walks to a mall that is worthless.
If you live in MN or anywhere close do not miss the opportunity to attend. It's worth it.
---------- "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." - Joseph Campbell
Last Edited by on Mar 07, 2010 4:18 PM
i dont live close but im going just cause last year seemed so awesome. i wish i went last year. but i had to see satan an adam on there last tour. thats a once in a life time thing an way worth it. ----------
phogi, I don't know how to say this without sounding mean but that information is up on the spah homepage.
When is it: August 17 - 21, 2010 Where is it: Ramada Mall of America 2300 East American Boulevard Bloomington, MN55425-1228 Telephone: (952) 548-3600 Fax:(952) 548-3601
Hope this helps :) .
---------- ~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Buddha...I didn't realize this was the old Thunderbird Hotel. Says it't been redone...better have been as that was a real dump of a place. The Mall of America is just a mall. Has the same stores in it that all the other malls in the US has. Just has a few more and a "Wally World" kind of theme park in the center. No big deal but you can walk to it and it has plenty of options for eating. I asked about the class thing because I thought they were calling them "Master Classes" or something similar. Seminar is just as good for me anyhow. I wonder if Jason will be there this year?
Last Edited by on Mar 07, 2010 8:30 PM
You just pay the fee and that's it--no charges for the concerts, seminars, panels disussions, and etc.
The best (IMHO) learning experience this last year was a kind of round table room where you could just go from table to table and get lessons from the likes of Buddha, Jason, Grant Dermody, Joe Filisko, Richard Sleigh--and many others. I was playing back-up guitar for Buddha, so I didn't get much chance to go around--but it was about two hours of great instruction each day.
I learned a lot just watching Buddha work with some really good players, like Brandon, Jay Gaunt, Cottontop, Zhin, and many others.
If you can get there--there is a lot to be learned and more jamming and fun than I could handle--I recommend staying hydrated and frequent naps. . .
